UPDATE #2

They just came out to let us know that the first incision was made around 9:30 am. The sedation process went very well. We'll keep ya'll posted when we hear more.

UPDATE #1

Well, we just said our goodbye's to Kaidence and I cried like a little baby. Many of Kaidence's past nurses came in this morning to tell her goodbye. We need this to work not only for us but for everbody in the PICU. We have had a tough run of things the last month with our many little friends. Kaidence has many little Heart Buddies watching over her from Heaven today and I know that they want her to do well. She has been the only girl among so mnay little boys in the PICU.

The Dr.'s feel that Kaidence may possibly have a chance of a recovery from the procedure. A recovery that may allow her heart enough time to rest and heal to the point that it would return to normal function and not need a transplant. They will take her off the list for about 3 months to give her that time. We will be here into the new year possibly to her 1st Birthday. Thanks for all the support you are giving us. We love the messages and are glad that we have so many people watching her blog today and waiting with us.

SURGERY DAY!!!

I woke up this morning around 6:00. I didn't sleep well last night. Kaidence knows something is happening. She started getting very agitated this morning when they took all of her stuffed animals and pictures out of her crib. Her heart rate is 198-207. She is listening to her primary songs at the moment and calming down a little. We are very nervous but that is to be expected. The staff at the hospital has been amazing. They have worked many long hours to put everything together and we are so grateful to them. We will keep you all up to date the best we can.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY!

So I went home last night and slept very well. Kaidence however had a rough night. One of her internal lines that draws blood and gives an acurate blood pressure went bad and they had to place a new line. Her heart rate was in the 190's and continues to be. She has suddenly spiked a fever and we are not sure what it is from. We need her fever to drop and get her heart rate under control. She has an ultrasound scheduled to look at some blood clots that have formed in her body and another echo. We are going nuts. I have tried to find a Christmas Stocking kit for Kaidence to give my nervous hands something to do tonight and tomorrow but have been unsuccesful. I need to keep my mind busy. I am excited and scared all at the same time. I just pray that if this surgery is meant for Kaidence that she can get over whatever is giving her this fever so that she can have the surgery tomorrow. I may go crazy if it gets moved again.

Tomorrow during the surgery we will be in the waiting room. I will have my laptop with me so that I can update the blog. I promise to give updates as often and as soon as we get them. They may be short but it's at least information. So keep posted and Thanks for everything.

Little Ian 's funeral was today and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family. We love and miss them.

SURGERY SCHEDULE AS OF THIS MINUTE!

It looks as though they did the operating room run through and discussed everything with the different teams that will be involved. They said that things went very well. The equipment will be here tomorrow morning, but the team will not arrive until 5:00 pm. We are very anxious and I keep looking at little Kaidence's chest because it will never look the same again. They have decided to do a pump for both the right and left side of the heart. So she will have two pumps. The plan is to take her to the Operating Room Wednesday around 7:30 or 8:00 am.

I explained to McCaden that next time he sees his baby sis that she may have some other tubes and things. Please keep us in your prayers if you don't mind. I am sure that everybody is tired of me asking, but it helps so much. We will always be willing to return the favor. We love you all and Thank You for the many countless hours of service that you all have given our family.

KAIDENCE IS STILL HOLDING STRONG!

Thank You once again for everybody that has prayed and fasted for our family. Last night was the first time in about a week that I have not woken up with a very sick tummy. I actually slept very well and I feel much more calm. I have never been so nervous, but I am now so grateful for the little peace that I do feel. Kaidence looks well today and we are so thankful that we have the option of the Berlin Heart to buy us some extra time. The equipment for the surgery is on its way and the team of Dr's will be here in the morning. Kaidence will have many hurdles to overcome but she is a tough little lady and she will put up a good fight. I can't wait for the day that we get to bring her home although I am a little sad that she will likely not be home for Christmas. Santa may be paying a visit to the PICU this year because I refuse to split my kids up for Christmas. I need to find a little tree and some decorations so that I can get them up and in her room. Yes, I do put my decorations up early every year and I LOVE IT! I guess I have got a little of my grandma in me. So let me be the first to wish you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!

Dear family and friends,

Thank You to all of you that have prayed and fasted for Kaidence today. I feel at peace and know that Kaidence is being watched over and kept safe. We put her in a little sunday dress today. I went to church at the hospital and was able to share my testimony. I am so thankful that I know that Heavenly Father loves us and I also know that "My Redeemer Lives"
Please take a minute and click on the link below and feel of the love our Savior has for each of us. His love is unconditional. He wants us to have Joy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8athR6fvshY

Love,
The Stephenson Family